Some whiskeys are just distilled. Others are forged—in combat, in camaraderie, and in legacy. Horse Soldier Bourbon is one of those whiskeys. Crafted by a band of real-deal U.S. Army Green Berets, this bottle isn’t just a nod to American freedom—it’s a salute in liquid form. And today, I’ve got my hands on the Signature Small Batch Bourbon, a bottle that tastes like mission success.
Let’s get into it.
Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon
Mission Briefing
- Operation: Horse Soldier Signature Small Batch Bourbon
- Command: American Freedom Distillery – St. Petersburg, FL
- Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Rations: 740 Corn, 20% Wheat, 10% Malted Barley
- Firepower: 47.5% ABV / 95 Proof
- Time in Service: NAS (Rumored ~4–6 years)
- Enlistment Fee: ~$60 (750ml)
- Website: HorseSoldier.com
The Horse Soldier Legacy
Horse Soldier Bourbon isn’t some marketing gimmick with camo slapped on the label. The men behind this brand earned their place in history.
After the 9/11 attacks, a group of Green Berets were among the first U.S. soldiers deployed into Afghanistan. Their classified mission led them deep into enemy territory—on horseback—alongside the Northern Alliance. They were known as the “Horse Soldiers,” and their story was later immortalized in the Hollywood film 12 Strong.
But their mission didn’t end there. After their time in uniform, these warriors didn’t fade into retirement. Instead, they did what any logical, freedom-loving American does after years of combat: they started a distillery.
Why Whiskey?
For the Horse Soldiers, distilling bourbon wasn’t just about business—it was about legacy. After battle, brotherhood, and sacrifice, they wanted to create something they could pass on. Something built with the same discipline, grit, and heart that carried them through war.
Whiskey was the answer.
They founded American Freedom Distillery, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, with a distilling partner in Columbus, Ohio (for now). It’s a veteran-led team crafting premium bourbon that honors their service and the American spirit.
Bottle Craftsmanship: Forged with Purpose
The story doesn’t stop with the bourbon inside the bottle—the glass itself has a legacy. Every Horse Soldier bottle is molded using steel recovered from Ground Zero, the World Trade Center. That’s not marketing fluff. That’s history you can hold.
So while the bottle may look polished and smooth, it carries the weight of sacrifice, resilience, and remembrance. It’s not just a bottle. It’s a symbol.
Recon Notes (Nose)
On the nose, Horse Soldier Signature Small Batch hits with sweet vanilla, toasted oak, and a hint of spice that feels like your first day back on American soil. There’s caramel, leather, and a little bit of cherry in there too. It’s rich, approachable, and smells like something earned.
Frontline Flavor (Palate)
Right out of the gate: buttery caramel and honey, followed by baking spices and toasted barrel char. The palate delivers a well-rounded profile with enough complexity to keep you sipping. There’s a hint of cinnamon, maybe some toffee, and just enough heat to remind you this isn’t a peacetime pour.
At 95 proof (47.5% ABV), it holds its own without trying to punch your throat. Smooth enough for sipping neat, strong enough to stand tall in a cocktail.
After Action (Finish)
Medium-to-long finish that fades with vanilla, oak, and light pepper. No bitterness. No off-notes. Just a warm reminder that you’re drinking something crafted by men who know what it means to sweat for quality.
Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon Label
Debrief: Final Thoughts
As a fellow veteran, I appreciate the mission behind this bourbon just as much as the flavor. But make no mistake: this isn’t a charity pour. It’s damn good whiskey, even if you take the backstory off the table.
Horse Soldier Signature Small Batch Bourbon is a solid entry in any collection, especially if you’re into whiskey with a soul and a story. I’ve already got the Reserve Barrel Strength and Straight Bourbon Whiskey on my recon list. If they’re anything like this one, I may have to order a second ruck just for bottles.
Whiskey Orders (Rating)
Active Duty Pour – Reliable and enjoyable daily drinker.
Meaning: Mission-ready. Horse Soldier Signature Small Batch is a dependable pour—built with character, discipline, and a damn good story. It earns its place in the lineup and delivers every time you crack the seal.
